Cloves: Features and Uses

Cloves are a spice known for their distinctive, sharp, warm aroma that leaves an impression in both sweet and savory dishes. Even a small amount gives food a strong spicy fragrance. Cloves are used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and desserts to hot drinks and meat. Here is how to choose and use them in cooking; a small jar of this spice can add a noticeable aroma to the table.

How Are Cloves Used in Cooking?

Cloves are used in small amounts for their strong fragrance in compotes, syrups, and some meat dishes. They add an intense spicy aroma to compotes and desserts. Use them whole or ground to flavor compotes and sweets. This culinary use of cloves is not presented as a medical treatment; consult a dentist about mouth-related concerns.

How Should You Choose and Store Cloves?

Choose fresh, aromatic cloves that are dark brown and firm, with buds that bend without the stems breaking. Faded, pale, or crumbling cloves have lost much of their aroma. For a simple test, drop a few cloves into one glass of water: fresh cloves with a high oil content stand upright or sink slowly, while stale ones float horizontally on the surface. Whole cloves retain their aroma much longer than ground cloves. Stored in an airtight, dark-colored jar in a cool cupboard away from light, whole cloves can be used for 1–2 years. Ground cloves should be used within a few months, or their flavor will become noticeably dull.

How Are Cloves Used in Dishes and Desserts?

Because of their strong aroma, cloves are usually added whole and in small numbers; 2–3 cloves are often enough for one pot of rice or meat. 1–2 cloves studded into an onion add depth to broth or ground-meat mixtures for meatballs; the whole cloves can be easily removed after cooking. In desserts, cloves are often used in apple compote infused with cinnamon and cloves, or in aromatic syrups for syrup-soaked desserts. Add small amounts of ground cloves to cake and cookie batter for a warm aroma; too much can leave a bitter taste, so do not overdo it.

Cloves in Hot Drinks

Cloves are a common addition to popular winter drinks. Add a few cloves, one cinnamon stick and sliced orange peel to boiling water for an easy, fragrant winter tea. Steep clove tea for 5–8 minutes to develop its full color and aroma; a longer steep can make it bitter. Cloves are also often used in hot milk drinks. Add 1–2 cloves to the milk as it approaches a boil, with cinnamon for a light spicy note. Strain the cloves out after steeping rather than leaving them in the drink for a long time.

Which Ingredients Pair Well with Cloves?

Cloves create a balanced aroma when used with other warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; this group of four spices is a classic pairing in winter desserts and pickles. Cloves also pair naturally with fruits such as apples, pears, and oranges. In meat dishes, add cloves to the cooking liquid with bay leaves and whole black peppercorns to mellow the meat's aroma and add depth. A few cloves are often added to jars of pickles and preserves for aroma; they do not make the preserve safe, which depends on the recipe's salt, vinegar, and heat processing.